Vera Jane Kennon

Vera Jane Kennon, age 92, of Ozark, Missouri, formerly Memphis, Tennessee, passed away on August 25, 2025, at Magnolia Square Nursing and Rehabilitation in Springfield, Missouri. Vera was born the seventh of nine children, five girls and four boys, to William Hugh Kerby and Vera Grace (Singleton) Kerby, on March 17, 1933, in Madison County, Tennessee. She was raised in Malesus, Tennessee, and graduated from J.B. Young High School in 1952. Vera was united in marriage to Dwayne B. Kennon on April 12, 1952, in Corinth, Mississippi. Dwayne and Vera shared 70 years of marriage before Dwayne's untimely passing on April 19, 2022. The couple were blessed with four children: Brad, Greg, Murray, and Chris.

Vera worked in the children's ministry at Bellview Baptist Church in Memphis for a number of years where she was a proud, active, and devoted member before she and Dwayne moved to Missouri. After her move to Missouri, Vera became a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Ozark, Missouri. Over the course of her life, Vera served the Lord, her church, and her family. Vera always worked to bring everyone together, fixing and preparing everyone's favorite foods, creating special moments, in particular, during the holidays. That was her passion. Vera was an awesome example of a Christian, mother, wife, and very much, a southern lady. She kept a Bible by her side in the bedroom and living room, and while able, rarely missed attending church. Nothing, however, brought her more joy and fulfillment than spending time with her husband and family. Dwayne and Vera were absolutely peas and carrots.

Vera will be remembered as a precious Christian lady who cared deeply about all her children as well as others. She will also be remembered as a Christian who was worried about people's salvation and was always glad to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Vera had a huge heart for others, she was a faithful prayer warrior, and she stood for all that was good, decent, thoughtful, and kind in people. Vera, our little southern flower, was deeply loved and she will be sorely missed.

Vera Jane Kennon was preceded in death by her parents, William and Vera Kerby; siblings: J.R. Kerby, Charles H. Kerby, Sylvia Ann Harris, William (Bill) Kirby, Jr., Tom Kerby, Irene Bolton, Edith Wheeler, and Geraldine Wallace. She is survived by her sons: Brad Kennon and his wife, Jackie; Greg Kennon and his wife, Leah; Murray Kennon and his wife, Shana, and Chris Kennon and his wife, Sharon. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren;18 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

A visitation and funeral service will be held for Vera Jane Kennon on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Ozark, Missouri, (1400 North Jackson Street). Her visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 pm and her service will follow at 2:00 pm. Vera will be laid to rest next to her husband at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery on Friday, August 28, 2025, at 9:00 am. There will be a formal procession from Greenlawn Funeral Home in Ozark (1700 South 15 th Avenue) to the Missouri Veterans Cemetery (5201 South Southwood Road in Springfield).

In lieu of flowers, Vera requested that donations be made in her memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, the American Cancer Society, or Ozarks Food Harvest.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home and Life Tribute Center in Ozark, Missouri.